DNC chairman cries that David Hogg isn't letting him lead Democrat party.

Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin told party leaders in a recent private conversation that hes unsure about his ability to lead the party because of infighting created by Vice Chair David Hogg.

Ill be very honest with you, for the first time in my 100 days on this job the other night I said to myself for the first time, I dont know if I wanna do this anymore, he said in a May 15 Zoom meeting of DNC officers, according to a recording obtained by POLITICO.

In the recording, an emotional Martin describes being deeply frustrated by the fallout over Hogg, who has ignited a firestorm in the party by vowing to spend $20 million in safe-blue primaries to oust incumbent Democrats he believes are ineffective. Martin paused twice while appearing to choke up.

The intraparty feud, Martin said on the recording, is making it more difficult for the party to do its work and had ruined his ability to demonstrate leadership.

No one knows who the hell I am, right? Im trying to get my sea legs underneath of me and actually develop any amount of credibility so I can go out there and raise the money and do the job I need to to put ourselves in a position to win, Martin said, addressing Hogg. And again, I dont think you intended this, but you essentially destroyed any chance I have to show the leadership that I need to. So its really frustrating.

It was an extraordinary admission from the chair of the Democratic Party, just a few months after being elected to lead the party through its post-2024 crisis. The nearly two-minute clip does not include the entire conversation, including how Hogg and others may have responded to Martin.

Asked for an interview, Martin, 51, sent a statement through a spokesperson. In it, he said, Im not going anywhere.

I took this job to fight Republicans, not Democrats, he added. As I said when I was elected, our fight is not within the Democratic Party, our fight is and has to be solely focused on Donald Trump and the disastrous Republican agenda. Thats the work that I will continue to do every day.

Hogg, 25, did not respond to a request for comment.

The Zoom meeting took place a few days after a DNC panel recommended holding new elections for the seats held by Hogg and another vice chair, Malcolm Kenyatta, on procedural grounds. DNC members will decide whether to do so in a vote set to begin on Monday.

Roughly 10 people attended the May 15 Zoom meeting, including DNC officers and staff, according to two people familiar with the call who were granted anonymity to describe the private conversation.

Asked for comment, party leaders rallied behind Martin, expressing confidence in his leadership.

In a statement, DNC Associate Chair Shasti Conrad, who attended the Zoom meeting and was briefly mentioned on it, said Martin showed vulnerability in a private conversation and stood up for the Democratic Party.

He shows up with authenticity. Always, she said. Thats what youll hear on the tape.

Jane Kleeb, president of the Association of State Democratic Committees, was on the call and said she was proud of Martin and the work the party is doing. Kenyatta, who was also at the meeting, similarly stood by Martin: Breaking news: a human being had a frustrating day at work. Thats all Ken expressed on that call.

After POLITICO reached out to Martin and the DNC, three party officers who were on the call but not contacted by POLITICO sent statements of support for Martin: DNC Associate Chair Stuart Appelbaum, DNC Secretary Jason Rae and Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio), a DNC associate chair and former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus.

Martin, who won a contested election to be DNC chair in February, formerly led the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party for about 14 years. He was also previously president of the Association of State Democratic Committees. When Martin campaigned for the DNC post, he called for a massive narrative and branding project to boost the partys image. As chair, he has traveled the country for canvassing, fundraisers and other events to rally Democrats, including on Saturday in New Jersey.

I took this job to fight Republicans, not Democrats, he added.

There's already a topic about it: https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/400-current-events/80995450

Based on everything Ive seen from how recently, David Hogg is not the kind of person we need as a figurehead. Can we please get a real political figure instead? This dude had his time and place, but the world of politics is just not for him.

You can delete it, no one's posted in it

There's already a topic about it: https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/400-current-events/80995450

He's shaking things up in a party that needs to be shaken up. Sure his methods are questionable, but if the Dem doesn't have the strength or energy to be a leader and only wants to coast by on seniority then they should gtfoo the way and make space for someone that can actually rise to our present situation. These dinosaurs and losers crying cause some kid is being mean to them have got to go.

I'll support Hogg until something better comes along.

You can delete it, no one's posted in it

I'm kind of surprised David Hogg raised $20 million to even throw around. Seems like I misjudged him.

Let's just say that I think both Hogg and Newsom come off as complete dumbfucks and I don't like either being significant party influencers. Shaking things up isn't a good thing in of itself. Otherwise, you should have no complaints about the state of the country as it is right now.

Shaking things up in and of itself is indeed dumb, but Hogg has some pretty clear objectives to go along with his shaking.

I have no idea what Newsom is doing. I can't vouch for that guy.

Do you think their image and the status quo is strong right now?

What are you actual complaints against him?

Better than letting his dumb inexperienced ass run the show. We obviously need a different direction and message to the general population, but it's not with this little twit.

Him being problematic as a public figure for one

The way it comes across is you are attacking his age. I mean look at the language you're using.

Better than letting his dumb inexperienced ass run the show. We obviously need a different direction and message to the general population, but it's not with this little twit.

Please be vaguer, I beg you

You can delete it, no one's posted in it

Calling for more internal strife as if that's what we need right now. That's problematic.

A whole lot of name calling from you about him in this topic, while defending the corrupt status quo that has been killing. Meanwhile he's raising money to support the new leaders who are fighting for the people.

The idea of spending his coalitions money to help get new blood in deep blue safe places where the incumbent has shown to be ineffectual and not up for the fight against Republican is a good thing.

It's difficult to have the sophistication necessary to recognize the many demographics that make up this country at the age of 25. There can definitely be really adept 25 year-olds, but he's sure as fuck not one of them.

Not if he alienates a lot of women and Democrats with more traditional values, two demographics I see him not reaching if he goes on to become a prominent figure. Attacking the "old guard" will inevitably bear consequences, some of which will immensely weaken overall party enthusiasm. Suggesting change is one thing, but polarizing people within the party is not conducive to a better outcome.

Not if he alienates a lot of women and Democrats with more traditional values

You guys can chill a bit. I agreed the party needs change, but this guy is a toxic arrogant mess (along with Newsom) that the party could stand to wash itself clean of.

How is attacking the old guard alienating women

Not if he alienates a lot of women and Democrats with more traditional values, two demographics I see him not reaching if he goes on to become a prominent figure. Attacking the "old guard" will inevitably bear consequences, some of which will immensely weaken overall party enthusiasm. Suggesting change is one thing, but polarizing people within the party is not conducive to a better outcome.

How is he being toxic

You say he's toxic and alienating to women but then jst are "guys shut up"

I also want to remind people that there are Democratic voters who actually LIKE the old guard. I'm not sure how driving away moderates from the DNC is supposed to help.

I also want to remind people that there are Democratic voters who actually LIKE the old guard. I'm not sure how driving away moderates from the DNC is supposed to help.

He's probably referring to that time David Hogg pointed out that young guys just want to get laid and have fun. Apparently stating something about college men that has been true for over a hundred years is sexist.